UMKC in turmoil

Today UMKC faculty handed Chancellor Martha Gillaland her second and third votes of no confidence as faculty-administration relations continue to spiral downward. As soon as Gillaland arrived on campus she set out to change the school’s reputation from a glorified community collage to a major urban research university. However, that effort has been marked by frequent clashes with faculty that either are resistant to change or feel left out of the planning process. The latest controversy is a proposal to dramatically reorganize the university and consolidate several schools and colleges.

It looks like Gillaland could be second chancelor in a row to be run out of town by the faculty. Meanwhile, KC remains the largest city without a world-class urban university.

Star: Two UMKC faculty groups vote to criticize chancellor.
University News: “White paper” alarms faculty.
University News: Copy of white paper detailing reorganization proposals.